For a coach who reportedly either berates or ignores players, Ben Howland had more than a few of his former guys come to his defense the last few days. A Sports Illustrated story casts the UCLA coach in an unflattering light and prompted an immediate reaction – and fairly soft defense – from the school.…

Last week I had the pleasure of seeing the No. 1 team in the country up close and personal. It may have only been two games, but to watch this team from the baseline, to listen to coach Jim Boeheim speak after the game, and to see what fuels this team left no doubt in…

Say this for Chane Behanan: He doesn’t lack confidence. The Louisville freshman served up one of the season’s ready-made sound bites after Saturday’s win against Memphis, which’ll certainly attract attention from in-state rival Kentucky and every Big East team. Yes, he really did say “We’re the No. 1 team in the country in my eyes.…